Eexploring the Role of Personality Traits and Risk Factors in Cognitive Test Anxiety among Medical Students

Background: Cognitive test anxiety is a prevalent issue among medical students, adversely affecting their academic and professional performance. The interplay between personality traits, past test experiences, and external pressures contributes to varying levels of anxiety, necessitating targeted interventions. Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships between personality traits, past test experiences, external pressures, and cognitive test anxiety among medical students to identify significant predictors of anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, involving 352 medical students aged 22 to 26 years. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representation across academic years and genders. Cognitive anxiety was measured using the Trait subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), while personality traits were assessed with the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI). A custom-designed questionnaire evaluated past test experiences and external pressures. Data were collected online and in-person, followed by statistical analyses using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression, and moderation analysis with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25. Results: Neuroticism (β = 0.45, p < 0.001) and conscientiousness (β = -0.15, p = 0.003) significantly predicted cognitive anxiety. Past test performance history (β = 0.30, p < 0.001) and perceived test difficulty (β = 0.40, p < 0.001) were positively associated with anxiety. Females reported higher anxiety scores (70.1 vs. 65.2, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Neuroticism and external pressures significantly contribute to cognitive test anxiety among medical students. Managing these factors may effectively reduce anxiety and improve performance.